Watch New Year’s Eve Ball Drop on TV or Streaming

If you’re looking to kick off the new year with a cozy night at home, you’re in luck! There are plenty of options for watching the major New Year’s Eve broadcasts on TV or through streaming services. From the iconic ball drop in Times Square to country music celebrations in Nashville, there’s something for everyone to enjoy from the comfort of their couch.

For the classic Times Square ball drop, you can tune in to ABC, CBS, or other major networks for live coverage throughout the night. If you prefer a straightforward streaming option, the official Times Square website will be live streaming the ball drop starting at 6pm ET on December 31. It’s free, no cable login required, and focused on the event itself rather than celebrity chatter.

If you enjoy a more unscripted feel, be sure to catch CNN’s “New Year’s Eve Live” with Anderson Cooper and Andy Cohen starting at 8pm ET. This year, the show will stream exclusively on CNN’s new subscription platform, but you can still catch it on cable as well. Expect live reports from around the world, celebrity appearances, and musical performances, including Robyn in Times Square.

For music lovers, ABC’s “Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve” is a must-watch, starting at 8pm ET. Hosted by Ryan Seacrest and co-hosted by Rita Ora, this year’s lineup includes Diana Ross, Ciara, Little Big Town, Maren Morris, and more. You can watch live on ABC, stream it on the iHeartRadio app, or catch it on Hulu the next day.

Country fans won’t want to miss “Nashville’s Big Bash” on CBS at 8pm ET. With performances from Lainey Wilson, Jason Aldean, Bailey Zimmerman, and CeCe Winans, the show is hosted by Bert Kreischer and HARDY. The broadcast pauses briefly at 10pm ET before resuming for the countdown to midnight.

For a unique celebration, check out Don Lemon’s New Year’s Eve special live from New Orleans. Featuring a block party on Frenchman Street with food, parades, and live music, this event is co-hosted by D.L. Hughley, Dulce Sloan, and Big Freedia. Streaming free on various platforms, the celebration includes both East Coast and Central time zone countdowns, culminating in a midnight celebration in New Orleans.

No matter how you choose to watch, the great news is that you don’t need cable or even pants to ring in the new year from the comfort of your own home. Here’s to welcoming 2026 in style!